running!

December 23 and 24 were good enough to give me 8, count them - EIGHT, miles! Yippie! On Thursday my seester and I were planning a quick 2 miler with extreme pain management plans in place. We just kept on going and going and after 2 miles I decided we should turn around (mostly for the seester, but it was also a smart idea in general:-). NO PAIN. The following day, xmas eve day, E and I went out again and I had secret intentions of beating the previous day's mileage. This run was much more about managing the pain, and both days I ended up walking about .5 of the total... but the total is there. Read it. EIGHT miles.

My beloved also gifted me "the stick". Who gets their beloved a torture device for xmas (and gives it infront of family?)?. I love it. I've already used it 100 times yesterday and will definitely have it on-hand after tomorrow's run. I don't even care how far I run, just that I can. And will.

training for training?

Would this make me run? http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/134.shtml
Training for my training plan. Funny, but maybe worth it?

No coffee?!

Today is day 3. I had to ask myself, does coffee really make me feel better? I decided what I like about it is the ritual - the warm cup in my lap while I read and welcome the day. I like waking up and knowing what I'm going to do first, before anything else! Well, it seems as though that warm cup could be filled with just about anything (caffeine withdrawal headache aside...). Years ago while I was doing an intestinal cleanse, I discovered Celestial Seasonings makes a blend of mate and black tea. Wowzers! It's delicious, has caffeine, and doesn't make me feel like sh** after two cups. I think I'm on to something here...

However, I've tried this before. In the past, my non-coffee stints always lead me back to coffee. Which I'm ok with. I just need to occasionally not drink it, to remind myself that my world does not revolve around this highly acidic beverage. I think my body thanks me every time.

_________________________

So, the weather's got me down. Rainy, grey, cloudy, wet, grey. I also forgot my yoga yesterday for the first time this December. Shoot. I had hopes of a run this afternoon after work, and am secretly planning a jaunt from home as soon as I get there. 2 miles max. Then I can take a hot shower and rooollllllllllll my ITB till I cry.

December

I still reside on the planet earth. Although sometimes it doesn't feel like it! I have been unnervingly inactive this past month +, so I hesitate to write. Running scares me lately because of the pain. I just want it to go away. The P90x plan lasted a couple weeks and then we just had to let it go. It was great while it lasted, but I won't really do the workouts if E doesn't do them (except for Ab ripper).

I did manage two runs over thanksgiving - one was actually a 1st annual sisterly turkey trot, about 3 or 4 k, I'm guessing. Slight knee pain towards the end, of course. But the run the day before turkey day was 3.25-ish miles with a few walk breaks and I finished super strong. Felt really good, and almost no pain.

Sassy posted a 25 day yoga challenge, which has motivated me to hit the mat, or otherwise stretch in some fashion, every day for the past 10. This has been really helpful in getting my health back on track post-thanksgiving (where things got a little out of hand). I've made a few December resolutions:

• Drink 1 L+ H2O every day
• Yoga every day
• ab work 2x weekly
• 2 weekly runs/yoga
• 2 beers max. per week
• gluten restriction
• sugar phase-out
• no dessert
• sub. coffee for tea
• add fruit/veg to every meal & snack

So, just general guidelines to get me back on track. I try and roll my ITB every night as well. I hope to start adding a few weekly runs this month, and seriously hope to start training again in January. Oh how I hope this will be so.

Week One

Yesterday I threw in another 90% PAIN-FREE run before the World Series game 3 first pitch. Truthfully, I missed the first pitch but it was worth it to get 2 miles in. E made game three guac and had a beer waiting for me when I finished work, but I knew the game food would be that much more delicious with a Run and AbRipper. The headlands run is a little too much up-and-down for my knee, as the pain was definitely there on the last uphill.

So here's how week one panned out. Completed exercises are in bold.

WEEK ONE - October 23 - 29

Saturday - Chest&Back, AbRipper

Sunday - Plyometrics

Monday - Run 2 mi., AbRipper

Tuesday - (YogaX) 30 minutes yoga

Wednesday - (Legs & Back, AbRipper) Rest

Thursday - (Run 2 mi.) Legs & Back, AbRipper

Friday - CHILL :-)

So we stuck to our guns fairly well. We were short a 2 mi. run, but I got that in yesterday, as I said above. So now I'm just short a "shoulders and arms" workout. The biggest problem is obsessively watching the Giants in the world series, and game times are wack! Once that's over I hope more time will free up in the evenings.

PAIN-FREE

Yesterday was my first pain-free run since the beginning of AUGUST. It felt great. As soon as we hit the 1 mile mark I forced myself to turn around and I managed the whole two miles without real pain. E kept me to a fairly quick pace which I believe helped my knee to not fall into the pain routine. So that's awesome. We also did ab ripper and stretched, and the day before did our Plyo. So I'm supremely sore, but it feels great and we haven't missed a workout yet! Today is yoga and the next day another run which I'm looking forward to. Yeah!

P90x - running/throwing style! The long winter ensues...

Wow! E and I just did the P90x Chest and Back workout and my arms are frickin stuffed. Ab ripper topped it all off, of course. We listened to the Giants at the same time and had to interrupt a few of the moves to scream, jump, clap and generally show our fan-ness. Game 6 = intense.

Since the rainy season has begun (pouring for the past 24 hours), and I can't run, and E wants to be in better year-round throwing shape, we've decided to embark on another round of P90x with slight modification. We're generally following the Phase 1 plan but exchanging one of the upper body workouts and the kenpo X for running/throwing, allowing two days per week of sport-specific training. This, assuming the season will allow me to run in the rain! :-) I've been trying to remember to foam roll every day, and am committed to keeping my mileage down and my overall fitness level up!

So here's my general plan:

PHASE 1

WEEK ONE - October 23 - 29

Saturday - Chest&Back, AbRipper

Sunday - Plyometrics

Monday - Run 2 mi., AbRipper

Tuesday - YogaX

Wednesday - Legs & Back, AbRipper

Thursday - Run 2 mi.

Friday - CHILL :-)

WEEK TWO - October 30 - November 5

Saturday - Shoulders and Arms, AbRipper

Sunday - Plyometrics

Monday - Run 2 mi., AbRipper

Tuesday - YogaX

Wednesday - Legs & Back, AbRipper

Thursday - Run 2 mi.

Friday - CHILL :-)

WEEK THREE - November 6 - 12

Saturday - Chest&Back, AbRipper

Sunday - Plyometrics

Monday - Run 2 mi., AbRipper

Tuesday - YogaX

Wednesday - Legs & Back, AbRipper

Thursday - Run 2 mi.

Friday - CHILL :-)

Recovery

WEEK FOUR - November 13 - 19

Saturday - YogaX

Sunday - Core Synergistics

Monday - Run 2 mi.

Tuesday - X Stretch

Wednesday - Core Synergistics

Thursday - Run 2 mi.

Friday - CHILL :-)

I've got a copy of this plan on my desktop and will bold each workout completed. I've been drooling over the Canyonlands 1/2 marathon in March. The lottery is in November and I can't stop thinking how badly I want to do this race. How badly I want to resume running in the first place!

So, get in shape girl. Because you love it!

Down to Zero

My mileage. I sprained my ankle yesterday, pretty badly. I'm now on crutches, hobbling around doped up on advil. Can you believe it? At least now I can say I have TWO injuries preventing me from running the Half Marathon on Sunday.

It's been nice to read others' October race reports. I think next time I might train for a full marathon............................................................. why not?

:-)

So, a few runs have happened

Actually, just one. Friday found Meghan and I out on the Haul Road. Again, I was totally rocking it at a super-slow pace. My knee felt .... actually, it didn't feel. I couldn't feel anything, which means I was pain free. I tried not to think about it, or get excited, or even notice it at all. At 1.7 miles I had a faint shimmer of pain and we turned around immediately. I'd say we made it another .5 miles before I had to stop and stretch. I busted out a very measured, controlled .5 miles before declaring "Damnit Shit" and walking the last .6 back to the car.

I rewarded our pathetic efforts with a carton of cool coconut water each, and we stretched our IT bands in the sun while discussing my future running career. Turns out, I've officially bagged my 1/2 Marathon due to conflict of more important plans and the obvious outcome of me not finishing said 1/2 marathon. Let me just say that again to be clear:

I've officially dropped out of my October 17 Humbolt Redwoods 1/2 Marathon

This is both good news and bad news - a mixed bag, let's call it. On one hand, I can stop stressing about (not)training and pain. I can stop wondering what it's going to be like to run 2.5 miles and then walk 10.6. I can focus on my future as a runner, this fall and beyond. On the other hand, this is wholly depressing and anti-climactic, and I face a pretty constant challenge of not thinking I'm a stupid loser for having such a stupid loser IT Band. Also, it was to be my first real race. With real aid stations, tons of people and super-human achievement.

So, back to my future. I am now going to be a 2 mile girl. I will run 2 miles, 3 times per week. This is a very short distance, but it tends to lately be a pain-free distance. I am going to be a roll-the-shit-out-of-my-ITB girl as well. And I'm going to just have fun. I am also going to take some serious time off from running while it rains, storms and shits on us all winter, and will become a second-round P90X'er as well. This is the plan, anyway.

I so desperately desire to run a Half or a Full, and sincerely hope that my next year of life will be the year when I can accomplish this.

Sort Of

Well, it started out well. I plowed through 2.3 miles like it was my J O B. I felt great. I felt invincible. I stopped for 30 seconds to stretch and take in the amazing view of the ocean. I tightened up my knee brace and started back towards the car. I guess stopping was a bad idea because almost immediately my knee started to hurt. I ran/walked another mile and called it a day - Erin came and met me with the car.

Damn. Last night I rolled the shit out of my IT band, and then had a deep tissue massage from Erin that made me cry. Still need to wrap the roller pipe in some foam for more comfort.

In an effort to pretend that I am still a runner, I'm entering Katie's giveaway for some schweet Cliff schwag. Yum. If I can ever log another long run in my life I will giveaway many many things as an offering and sacrifice to the gods of IT bands everywhere.

Back At It!

So it's official. I bought the shoes. FINALLY! I'm pretty damn excited. I've been drooling in anticipation for weeks/months at the thought of a trip to Fleet Feet to have a 20-30 minute personalized fit consultation with a sales associate. :-) Let's just say it was everything I thought it would be. I was really impressed with the guy who helped me. E and I were basically hovering at the front door waiting for the San Fran store to open at 10. I showed the guy my old Asics Cumulus' (embarassingly beat, grungy & falling apart) and then he measured my skinny pedos at size 7 while sitting & 7.5 while standing, which apparently is important? He watched me walk, and then came back with a pair of beautiful Mizuno Waveriders. Who ever thought I'd stray from Asics? Not I. They felt incredibly different from my good ole' standbyes, and I wasn't so sure. So after a good 45 minutes, several pairs Asics, Brooks, Saucony & Mizunos, and a quick jog around the block, I decided on the Waveriders. Gotta hand it to the guy for getting it right on the first try! The 30 day guarantee helped me make the decision too - because these shoes feel so different the unconditional return option helped me take a step outside the box and go with something completely new! New has to be better for my IT band, I presume.

I also received some encouraging news from another sales associate who suffered a 6 month stint of no running due to IT band tightness. He said the only thing that helped was a foam roller & regular massage. Good to know. Also good to hear he actually recovered, which apparently is really unusual? Anyway, I'm stoked.

I still might cancel my scheduled 1/2 marathon on October 17 because really, I'm not ready for it. It's hard to deal with because I've actually scheduled an entire 3 day weekend trip around it. I'll run tomorrow in my new zapatos, stretch the crap out of my ITB, use my new Salonpas heat patch-thingies and report back.

Peace.

Followers

Holy Crap. I just noticed I have two followers. What what? :-)

Time to post!

Running is a somewhat depressing and sensitive subject for me (ie, I'd rather not talk about it). But writing.... I think I can manage a few words. My right knee is still on the blitz. I've been trying to alternate strengthening and stretching daily, and I bought a neoprene knee brace that velcro's above and below the kneecap. Basically, my training is on hold until I can foresee a run without pain. It's been over a week since I've run (literally - not even 1 mile), and I've done some P90X leg workouts, yoga & played a few nights of badminton. This better be the correct course of action for me, because healing this thing is really a shot in the dark.

I know that many many runners experience knee pain/ITB trouble, but there are many many who don't. I keep wondering why I have to be one that DOES???? I'm committed to this 1/2 marathon. I really, finally, want to run. My body is able, and my mind is willing, but my knee holds me back. It's really frustrating.

So, while I'm vacationing for the next 12 days, I'm going to try a few short runs here and there. I'm going to hike beautiful mountains and enjoy the companionship of good friends. And we'll see where I end up in two weeks. If I can't manage 13.1 miles on October 17 then I'll have to walk. I'm still going to do the race.

New Fodder, & Laundry

I've found a new blog to read, Running Through Life, doing a giveaway for a sweet sports bra. I've never heard of ALO, but their stuff looks really clean, simple and comfortable with lots of organic fabrics and bamboo! And lord knows I could use a new sports bra.

Failed Muffins posted about smelly workout clothes, and smelly people in general. Most people stated adamantly that they would never recycle workout clothing (ie, more than one use). I do this constantly, usually getting two or three uses out of my clothes. They don't stink, I hang them up to line dry after each use, and when they've had enough I put them in the launder pile. Call me crazy... I simply don't have enough workout clothing to support a different outfit for every day of the week. Plus, we don't have a washing machine at home & laundry is usually a biweekly "event". So any new clothes I can win would be awesome.

Well, I guess that's that

Yesterday called for 7 miles and today called for 2. I managed 4.25 today, but probably ended up walking 1 mile or so of that.

I'm dealing with great disappointment right now. I know that my body is capable of the miles I want it to run for my training. I know that my lungs, my muscles, are in line and ready to go. My mind is also willing. It's amazing how I have really been motivated to run, and have kept so close to my training schedule. My mind is actually willing and will not undermine me.

The ultimate catch-22 exists here: if I rest, my mileage suffers and by October 17 my knee might feel better but my body won't be able to handle 13.1 miles. If I keep running, my knee will get worse and worse but my body will be able to handle the mileage.

I think I made a decision tonight while running. With a healthy dose of run/walk combination I think I can keep my mileage up. This means my runs will sometimes take twice as long, but I must accept this. I want to run the race, I want to finish. I have to let go of my previous expectations of myself and just focus on staying healthy and finishing. There will be other races for me in the future.

Giveaways are Awesome

And lo, I entered another giveaway on Jill Will Run, and I won! Blogging giveaways are so cool. I really appreciate the people who take the time and energy to create giveaways for their readers. Keeps us coming back for more! I've just entered another giveaway on one of my favorite blogs - "Racing With Babes" for a beautiful tank top made by a company called BackPocket Sports. This one is a random drawing and there are already 220 entries (probably will get up to 1000, just like Tonia's yearly milage!).

And holy smokes, another giveaway from "Goals for the Week"! This is insane, people are so generous! I love it. $150 at Athleta is something I can only dream about at this point.

In other non-material news, I have not been on a run since Wednesday. This in an attempt to rest my knee and give me the best chance at returning to running this afternoon. I plan on doing a REALLY SLOW 2 miler up the Haul Road. I've been strengthening, icing, arnica-ing and tiger-balming for a week now. Tightness doesn't seem to be a big part of my problem because I stretch so much. I really really really am hoping for the best today and will check in later.

super-sweet shwag

My lime green tank top finally came in the mail today, and though it looked far too big when i tore the packaging off, it fits great! Super duper light weight, and green enough even for me. I like it. I actually had two slips in the PO box, but only one package, so I'm still waiting for my Nathan water bottle from the giveaway. I keep getting really tempted to buy clothes, but there is no money right now. I still need new running shoes and I know that should take priority over clothes I don't really need. Hopefully our new business plan will add a little cash to the pot for special extras...

This week is basically an entire week off for me. I'm worried about my training, my endurance, my ability to actually run my 13.1 miles in 6 weeks. But I know that this isn't an injury I can run through. I've been icing about twice a day, lots of arnica rubs, and doing my exercises for my gluteus medius. In addition to resting this week, I really don't know that there's anything I can do.

Bad News

Bad news.

In an effort to rest my knee I skipped my "easy run" of 4 miles on Monday. This, following a slightly painful episode on my 8 mile Saturday. The knee didn't hurt so much during the 8, but afterward I knew I'd need to take it easy. So it's fortunate that this week only had 3 four milers. So I rested Monday, assuming I'd add mileage later in the week.

This was sort of a disaster. I made the first two miles great, felt pretty good. I should have stopped there, but I thought I'd try for 2.5 (?!?!!?!?!?). A slight downhill ensued, and that was the end of my good run. Damn. I ran/walked the next 2.3-ish miles back to the car. E and I talked about various gaits that might help my ITB and I tried out a few.

So, downhills hurt it the most but I seem to be able to account for this by running on my toes downhill. Next time I should try this. We're going on a downhill walk this afternoon which I'm looking forward to.

Gasp

Morning runs are fine. They are doable. I might actually prefer them to evening runs. Wow, did I just say that out loud?

The thing is, I gave myself time to wake up. I opened my eyes at 6:30 am, and exited my bed at 7:10 ish. Yes, it was tough. Yes, the covers get softer and warmer as I contemplate getting out of bed. I ate a piece of bread with peanutbutter, and an about 4 oz. instant coffee with milk (sick). I packed up my shit and headed out the door with the d.o.g.

I forgot my headphones, but ran nonetheless. I decided to bring my liquid fuel, and a Luna Protein bar - bad call. I tried wedging this chocolate-covered bar in my pants and my tank strap before finally stuffing it down my sports bra right between my ......... It melted.

The run was great - I experienced a bit of knee pain here and there on the downhill grade during the last half, but always took it slow (ie; walk, slow jog) when I felt phantom pain. Maia was an awesome running partner.

Post run I immediately consumed a banana, and then a huge breakfast later on. My body feels slightly broken and beat. My shins hurt (splints?) and my knee is stiff and painful. As I was dressing for work I imagined being able to get back into bed, showered and beat, and sleeping another two hours. Bliss. I've been trying to stay off coffee for the past two+ weeks, and it's a see-saw. I'm not sure what's causing this morning's abdominal craps and *ahem*, but it could be the coffee. Or last night's lentils? Or the protein bar while running? So many questions! Today is also the first day in three that I didn't wake up with an eye-splitting headache.

7:25 a.m.?!?!?

seriously? this is ridiculous. i'm actually awake for my first morning run since the whale run in march. it is cold, wet, foggy, cold, grey, early and wet. hmmm. awesome.

can i make 8 miles? what about my knee? we'll see how it goes. have fun, because you love it.

In Jury

I've two miles on the training plan for today but I'm going to skip it because of my knee. The right one still feels pain today after a good arnica run-down last night before bed. I didn't ice it because the pain went away after my hot shower and a good stretch. But it has be worried.

Also, I keep touching muscles in my legs that I didn't know were there. My legs seem so ripped, and my arms are somehow ripped too! Like, this morning I was reaching down to pet the dog and my hand hit my shin on the way and touched a muscle - I thought for sure 'that can't be mine!'. Cool.

I'm still on the hunt for new running shoes - the ones I want are $104!!!!!! Holy Hell. Why do they have to be so much? I also need new hiking boots (probably). Secret: I did splurge and buy a green lightweight tank that I hope will be the perfect running top. I'm pretty excited. Combined with the waterbottle coming in the mail I am totally decked out! Now just need to get this knee into shape....

Signed Up

It's official. I've paid the money to run 13.something miles. Funny how that goes. I'm planning on camping the night before, then post-race we'll have a delicious brunch at Woodrose Cafe in Garberville and then take a nice dip in the Eel River (or maybe vice-versa)! Then we have two complimentary nights at the Benbow Inn to enjoy - beautiful room, king bed, breakfast/coffee in bed, afternoon tea, golf game, disc golf, long hot baths... seems perfect. I hope we have fun.

8 miles!

I ran my long run on Saturday. After a long day at work I was totally bonked out, probably due to all the backpacking, rafting and driving of the week. I came straight home and napped for an hour, and then dragged my butt out of bed, ate a rice cake with peanut butter and got dressed. I picked up M. and her friend and their bikes and loaded them down with almonds, Cliff Shot electrolyte drink (in my stainless steel waterbottle - watch out front teeth!) and a banana.

We set out on the BRHR, and knowing my GPS wouldn't get a signal at all on such a foggy day I strapped it to one of the bikes just to keep track of the time. At mile 3 I started drinking a couple swigs and did so every mile after that. I made it up to 4.05 miles and turned around, totally stoked. I had to stop every time I needed a drink, and I also stopped many times to eat huge juicy ripe blackberries and thumbleberries right off the bush. I think it worked as a running snack and I never ended up needing or wanting the banana or the nuts.

My knee flared up twice during the run - vague pain in the back of the right side. I ignored it and it went away, only to reemerge Sunday morning as I got out of bed. It seriously hurt. I rubbed arnica all over it - twas really stiff. I skipped disc golf and instead took a long hot hot bath. Yeah.

Today was a short 2 miler and I decided to run up the hill from town to the house. Nice little jaunt. I ran it in 22:26. I get a wonderful amazing massage this afternoon, and am taking the rest of the day off.

Do backpacking miles count?

We just returned from an amazing 18 mile - 3 day trip in the Trinities with the dog. I have to say, I totally kicked it, and am not even a bit sore after all the ups and downs and carrying 50 pounds. Whoop. So beautiful out there. I really really really really really needed some sunshine, mountains and fresh air. Got my fix.

Then we rafter the Trinity River with E.'s brother who is a whitewater guide. What fun. Refreshingly cold water swims off a raft in 90 degree heat. What could be better?

I can't believe that only two posts ago I was commenting on purchasing a handheld waterbottle and then I enter a giveaway and win! What are the frickin odds? Like, zero. Oh well. It was really nice of 'failed muffins' to offer the bottle in the first place ~ I'll have to come up with something for tomorrow's long run of 8 miles. M. promised to accompany me on her bike and pass me water and fuel while I slug out my longest run ever. My legs feel fresh and strong, and although I didn't do my 7 mile speed workout on Wednesday I think I can do 8 tomorrow.

What Up

July Recap - starting July 5

Miles Planned/Ran: 50/46
Rest Days Planned/Taken: 15/16

Highest Mileage Week: 14 - 2x's
Long Runs Planned/Ran: 3/2

Current Book: Cold Mountain - but just finished the Cellist of Sarajevo, Memoirs of a Geisha, Wild Thoughts from Wild Places.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: gluten-free chocolate brownie cookies & coconut water (it's expensive!)
Current Obsessions: winning Giants games & planning a backpacking trip
Current Drink: coffee & coconut water
Current Song: Something Good Can Work - By 2 door cinema club. i literally start dancing and throwing my arms over my head every time i hear it - even if i'm running.
Current Wish-List: new computer, and new camera
Current Need: new running shoes
Current Triumph: sticking to my running plan all month - 46 miles logged!
Current Bane of my Existence: my period
Current Goal: get the barn inspected
Current Blessings: three days of sunshine in a row
Current Excitement: four trips planned - go backpacking, see Manda, see Meghan & go to Sam's wedding - all in the next two months!

7 mile long run

I've only run 7 miles one other time in my life. To date, it's the longest run. It sure feels different than 6 miles. I felt it more in my joints, and my legs were fatigued at the end. I've contemplated investing in a small hand-held waterbottle, and some Gu, for anything longer than 1 hour. I'd like to see if I can feel a difference.

Goal this coming week is to do yoga or P90X on all my rest days. I need it.

5 miles + Yoga

The gps failed me on this run. When I look back on my laps it makes no sense, and is totally unreliable in terms of speed and distance. I did run 5 miles with a 9:39 average pace, and there were definitely some hills to contend with. Felt good. Maia was also disappointing - super slow and pokey when we were on the road.

Last night was supposed to be hot yoga, but turned out to be regular yoga. Still felt good, and I'm sore with triceps and legs. Even tree pose was challenging, and I could feel all the little muscles in my feet and ankles kicking in since it's been so long.

I'm still not changing body comp. Perhaps yoga is the missing link. I weighed myself after dinner last night and got 134. It's literally been months - months - since I got that. What's up????

Last night I had 1.5 pints, and they were delicious. Not so good for the bod, though.

2 miles - the maintenance run

Yup, just that. A quick 2(.22) miles up and back on the road. Barely broke a sweat. Should have been 11:05, but ran a 10:something and a 8:something. GPS isn't always accurate in that dept though.

Feels good, although I'm not really slimming down like I feel I should be from all these calories burned. I think I've been eating pretty poorly - gluten, beer, excessive dairy (cheese). The excess fat isn't shedding off like it usually does.

Also, Erin talked me out of a new pair of running shoes. I've logged 100 miles since I started keeping track on Daily Mile, and the shoes are from July 2008. I wonder....

6 miles - the long run

Put back 6 miles on my long run on Saturday. Woo Hoo! Kept with the schedule all last week, except for no XT or strengthening. It was all rest, baby. Six miles felt fine, I was just waiting for it to be over, really. The last mile I kicked up the tempo to probably 8:00, or maybe even faster, because my favorite song came on and I got all upbeat. Fun.

Tonight is a two mile maintenance run. Seems so short, and so fun! Beautiful weather but I'm strangely unsettled today. Hormones, perhaps.

5 mile tempo run

This was my first tempo run. I purposefully chose to run on the road where my garmin would get the best satellite reception. I wanted to be able to keep track of my times to get a good idea where I stand when I actually try to run fast. I should have known more about the lap function on the G, but I didn't really understand it and so my laps are all screwed up after mile 2. However, my warm up mile was 10:42, and my next mile was at 7:48! Wow! That's about a minute faster than I should have been going, but I had no idea how to gauge my tempo.

I really didn't enjoy running on the road very much - I think I got too hot to boot.

I realized right before I left to run that I hadn't drunk any water all day. Not a drop. This is unacceptable. After the run my face was bright red and splotchy and stayed that way for the better part of an hour.

That reminds me - these past four or five runs have all felt -hot-. Like my face feels hot and red, and my body temperature is too high for the actual output I'm achieving. Maybe it's time to consider running in cooler times of day, and drinking more water at all times (not just after runs). I'll also try to only consume the calories I really need in case I'm carrying around extra baggage in that dept.

3.4 miles

I felt so good last week, keeping to my first two training runs. Then Saturday came around and I played disc golf with the naive intention of running afterwards. Yeah right. My feet were so sore I couldn't dream of it. Sunday, exact same thing. So there went the possibility of a long run for week 1 and I'm really disappointed.

Today I grappled over keeping to the training plan (2 miles) or trying to make up for lost mileage from last week. I decided to kind of put myself in the middle of the two distances, because there's no way I'm going to add an additional 6 miles on to this week's plan. I've heard that runners shouldn't try and recover lost mileage because of over-training and injury possibility. I don't really think I'm in danger of either one of those things in week one, so I might just try and add here and there this week to make up for the 6 mile long run last week.

Also considering moving the long run to Friday. That leaves weekends open for disc golf and chillaxing.

5 mile run, 2000m swim!

Wednesday I kicked it with 5 miles - ran around town with my garmin, which told me I did 9:38, 9:38, 9:10, 9:25, and then an 11:38 cool down. My warm up mile was also supposed to be in the 11's, but I wasn't feeling it. All this after work. So I'm sticking to it so far.

The funny thing is, I'm much more focused on my 'rest' days - taking advantage of them in preparation for the next run. My new attitude includes a lot of 'just do it', and 'if everyone else can do it, so can you', and 'it's only a 1/2 marathon!'.

In other breaking news, I finally went to the pool and swam 40 laps, laddering free and breast. I did feel like I was going to drown a few times, but kept it strong. I definitely am not sore yet, but am feeling the new movement in my joints.

Today is another 'rest' day, hopefully to be filled with disc golf, and tomorrow is the long run!

the training begins

2 miles. I just got up and did it, even though I was tired and it was 7:30 pm! But whoopie. i am seriously starting my training plan. I was hoping to get to hot yoga tonight, but we worked late and I had a ton of bookkeeping to get done. Tomorrow is my 5 miler - totally doable and fun!

3 miles

Well, today is July 1. Who knew? I managed to get out and run 3 miles on the track today while E played a round of disc golf. We had a really really shitty day, and I knew getting outside and running would at least add one thing to my day that didn't suck. It was actually a fine 3 miles - sortof a warm up for my upcoming training plan that I'm DYING to stick to - and I didn't feel at all out of shape (though my thighs were rubbing together in a quite uncomfortable way!). I'm probably going to have to take tomorrow and Saturday off, but am determined to begin training this week. I'll try and revamp my training plan on runnersworld so I'm all up to date!
In the future - some p90x and swimming!

new look + where did all my motivation go?

The title pretty much sums it up. I'm supposedly in week 3 of my 1/2 training program and have totaled 7 miles thus far - a 2 mile run on the first day, and another 5 mile run about 5 days later while on high-altitude vacation. Granted, I did an amazing butt-kicking hike 1.6 miles long that gained 1600 ft. in elevation. So that counted as a workout.

I've wondered where to go to get new motivation.

• First, I've changed my look. With a new look comes new life, maybe. I continue to read all the motivational blogs on my list, and I think about going for a run every day. So this should add some freshness to the running idea.
• Second, I should remember that I have a new kickass running skort that I love to run in. I also bought a super-duper-extra-cute dress on sale from Patagonia that I'm dying to sport this summer ...
• Third, I love activity. I love making time for it and scheduling it in. I love getting massages and feeling like I deserve them. I love sacking out on the couch with a beer and feeling like I deserve it.
• Fourth, I feel I'm very very close to needing new running shoes. However, I'll only need them if I continue to train for my 1/2. My old shoes will continue to work if recreational running is all I'm good for.
• Fifth, there is new activity to be had. Badminton is back on the schedule, the number of hot yoga classes have doubled, and I still haven't been swimming! No excuse to be bored.

That might be it.

This blog is called -run because you love it- remember?

RW SmartCoach 1/2 Marathon Plan

I found another training program for a 1/2 marathon on Runner's World that I'm posting here. I like this plan because of the "rest/XT" designation! I'm not so keen on the Tempo Run stuff...not really sure how to do that, or if it's even necessary. We'll see. I should actually time myself on another 10k or 5k so the times listed here will be more accurate.

Wk Dat Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total 1 6/7 6/13 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 6 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 13 miles 2 6/14 6/20 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 2x1600 in 8:57 w/800 jogs; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 6 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 13 miles 3 6/21 6/27 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 7 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 14 miles 4 6/28 7/4 Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 3 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 3 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 10 miles 5 7/5 7/11 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 6 mi, inc Warm; 4 mi @ 9:28; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 7 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 15 miles 6 7/12 7/18 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 3x1600 in 8:51 w/800 jogs; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 8 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 17 miles 7 7/19 7/25 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 6 mi, inc Warm; 4 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 8 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 18 miles 8 7/26 8/1 Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 12 miles 9 8/2 8/8 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 5 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 9 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 20 miles 10 8/9 8/15 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 8:46 w/800 jogs; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 9 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 21 miles 11 8/16 8/22 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 5 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 10 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 21 miles 12 8/23 8/29 Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 15 miles 13 8/30 9/5 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 6 mi @ 9:27; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 10 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 22 miles 14 9/6 9/12 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 10 mi, inc Warm; 5x1600 in 8:41 w/800 jogs; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 11 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 25 miles 15 9/13 9/19 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 6 mi @ 9:27; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 11 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 23 miles 16 9/20 9/26 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Race Day Dist: Half-Marathon @9:26 Time: 2:03:50 20 miles